What to Look for in Loungewear That Actually Helps You Sleep Better
The hour or two before bed has a big influence on how easily you drop off, and what you're wearing during that time is part of it. Loungewear that helps you sleep is light, breathable, easy to move in and comfortable enough that you stop noticing it. It should keep you gently warm while you're winding down and never leave you feeling stuffy. In this guide, we'll go through what to look for, from fabric to fit, and share how we've approached it in our own small loungewear range.
Why What You Wear In The Evening Matters
Your body temperature naturally drops as you fall asleep, which allows your body to rest fully. Anything that traps too much heat around you can get in the way of that process, and anything that keeps you comfortable helps it along.
There's research behind this. A sleep laboratory study published in Nature and Science of Sleep monitored participants over nine nights in different sleepwear and bedding fabrics, at two room temperatures. The researchers concluded that sleepwear played a contributory role in sleep outcomes, and that participants slept better in the cooler room.
So your evening clothes are doing two jobs. They're helping you relax, and they're setting you up to be at a comfortable temperature when you get into bed.
Fabric Comes First
If you only look at one thing on the label, make it the fabric. Here's what to look for.
- Breathability. A breathable fabric lets air pass through it, so warmth doesn't build up against your skin. Natural fibres such as cotton are a reliable choice, and the way the fabric is woven matters too. Open, airy weaves feel fresher than dense ones.
- Weight. Light fabrics are easier to relax in. You want something that offers gentle warmth when the house is cool and doesn't feel heavy when you're curled up under a throw.
- Texture. Loungewear sits against your skin for hours, so it should feel lovely. Look for fabrics described as soft, smooth or brushed, and avoid anything scratchy around the collar and cuffs.
- Certification. An OEKO-TEX® label tells you the textile has been tested for harmful substances, which is reassuring for something you wear so close to your skin.
Fit And Freedom Of Movement
Winding down often means stretching out on the sofa, sitting cross-legged with a book or pottering around the kitchen. Choose a relaxed fit that moves with you. Many people like to size up in loungewear for that easy, oversized feel.
Pay attention to the small details as well. Flat seams, a tie you can loosen and sleeves you can push up all make a difference to how comfortable you feel after a couple of hours.
Keeping Your Feet Comfortable
Feet are easy to forget, and they have a lot to do with how relaxed you feel. Warm, comfortable feet help you settle in the evening, and a supportive slipper feels good on hard floors.
Look for a natural, breathable upper such as wool, a sole sturdy enough for a quick trip to the bin or the garden, and a footbed that feels good to stand on.
A Wind-Down Routine To Go With It
Changing into loungewear works well as a signal to yourself that the day is finishing. Try making it part of a simple routine: change your clothes, dim the lights, put your phone on charge in another room and do something calm for the last half hour. Repeating the same steps each evening helps your mind recognise that sleep is on the way.
How We've Approached Loungewear At Simba
Our loungewear range is deliberately small, and everything in it has been designed with your wellbeing in mind, whether you're relaxing during the day or getting ready for bed.
- The Soft Muslin Robe. We chose muslin in durable four-ply layers that feel tactile and airy. It's light, soft and breathable, so it offers gentle warmth when you need it and keeps you cool when you don't. It's different from a towelling bathrobe, which is heavier and designed to absorb water. Our robe is made for lounging, from the sofa right through to your bedside. It's OEKO-TEX® certified, it's designed for all genders, and it comes in three sizes: XS/S, M/L and XL/XXL. We recommend sizing up if you love an oversized fit. You can choose from Cloud Grey, Pure White, Soft Oat and Dusty Rose.
- Reflexology Slippers. Our slippers are inspired by traditional reflexology techniques. They have unique gel-filled soles with nine pressure points that massage key areas of your feet with each step, and they're crafted with durable, soft merino wool. The Stormur and Rok styles come in felted clog and moccasin designs, they're suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and they're available in women's UK sizes 3 to 7 and men's UK sizes 7 to 12.
Carry The Same Feel Into Bed
Once you've found a fabric you love to lounge in, it makes sense to sleep in the same kind of comfort. Our Soft Muslin bedding has the same signature texture as the robe, and it's one of several fabrics in our cooler bedding range, so you can mix and match until your bed feels exactly right. Our throws are a nice addition for the sofa as well.
A Quick Checklist
When you're shopping for loungewear to help you sleep, look for:
- a light, breathable fabric, ideally a natural fibre
- a soft texture with comfortable seams
- a relaxed fit you can move in
- independent textile certification such as OEKO-TEX®
- supportive, breathable slippers for your feet
FAQs
You can if it's comfortable. A robe is best taken off before you get under the duvet, so that you don't get too warm. Light, breathable nightwear or a robe kept by the bed for the morning both work well.
Our four-ply muslin gives gentle warmth and works well for layering. In colder months, wear it over your nightwear and add a throw when you're on the sofa. It's light and airy, so it layers comfortably without feeling bulky.
Our robes come in XS/S, M/L and XL/XXL. If you're between sizes or you like a generous fit, go up a size. They're designed for all genders, so the same three sizes apply to everyone.
Yes. They're designed for indoor and outdoor use. The uppers are crafted with durable, soft merino wool, and the gel-filled soles are made to be walked on all day.
Yes. We offer fast, free delivery to most UK postcodes, with stress-free returns if it isn't quite right for you. That covers both our robes and our Reflexology Slippers.
